Searching for Tune Whistlers WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
						Judging a Tune Whistler at MASCOT's Song Contest
	A very special part of MASCOT's annual song contest is the separate competition we hold for uniquely talented American Singers.  These birds are known as "Tune Whistlers," a true sub-breed, and a rare occurence in the aviary.  (Between one and two percent of hatchlings would be a rough estimate.)  It is described in an old American Singer constitution as follows: "Tune Whistlers are mentioned in our classification as a sub section of the American Singer section.  These birds have an inbred ability througth training of whistling a tune or part of more than one tune along with their natural song.  These birds come from the Roller side of the American Singer strain as the Roller has the power of imitating melodies and tunes played to them over and over again.  Not all birds have this ability..." (Researched by Marilyn Simons in 2001) Another reference is the 1955 Audubon Publishing Company book entitled, Encyclopedia of Canaries, Parakeets and Other Cage Birds by Nola Miller Fogg.  It contains an article describing "The Whistling Canary" which says they were derived from Rollers.  The article further mentioned that at least two clubs existed 70 years ago for breeders of this strain of birds.  Here is a quote from that article: "Because of the increasing interest in trained canaries...there are in existence two Whistling Roller Canary Clubs.  One is located in Dunreith, Indiana known as the "Canary Choir Circle" and the other is in Los Angeles.  These clubs are devoted exclusively to the breeding and training of Whistling Canaries -- birds that are trained to whistle tunes..." MASCOT is very interested in preserving Tune Whistlers as a specialty breed.  In addition to maintaining a special place for them at ouor Annual Song Contest, we are seeking information from the public at large about these birds.  If you have any articles or personal stories of Tune Whistlers or if you have information about any clubs in the past or present devoted to them, we ask that you share that information with us. Please email at this address:  officers@mascotcanaries.com   We will respond quickly. Also, if you believe you have a Tune Whistler please bring it to our Annual Song Contest.  Here is what to look and listen for: 1.  The conformation of the Tune Whistler can differ from the norm, especially when viewed from the side, where a slightly elongated and lanky appearance can sometimes be observed. 2.  The song differs from that of a standard American Singer.  Using a connect line of high flutes, Tune Whistlers actually follow the melody almost note for note.  3.  They usually face to their left when they sing.  4.  They are comfortable around people.  Again, please write to us with your stories or memories of special tune whistling canaries.  We hope to hear from you.